Altona Collegiate - Green and Gold Yearbook (Altona, Manitoba Canada)

Page 31 text:

CREATIVE CAMPUS Wesleys Wesley wheeled slowly around on the swivel chair and faced the priest, who stood at the great glass window, gazing out over the city. Wesley’s desire to become a writer was great and the man at the window was aware of it. The priest cleared his throat and after a deliberate silence said, “Your environment is no excuse. Your determina¬ tion to become successful as a writer should help you to overcome your obstacles; but re¬ member, success only follows hard work.” Wesley, with new determination written in his eyes, thanked the priest and quitted the house. He walked quickly towards the shoe shop three blocks down the street. The shop was located among other dirty little shops and houses. Wesley lived in the slum area and knew no other life, but he had read many books and he realized that there was a more satisfying way-of life. When he arrived at the door of the shop he paused momentarily and then entered. His resolve to act pleasantly towards his father lagged moment¬ arily as the repulsive smell of hot leather and oil greeted him. How could anyone bear this at¬ mosphere and yet remain blind to the futility of the scanty work carried on by his father here? Behind that counter, his father was bent over a piece of leather work, studying it intently. Wesley studied the countenance of the one who was unaware of his presence. It wore the expres¬ sion of one who had given up hope; and more than that, become bitter against life itself. Wesley stood there for a moment, looking at his father silently. Then he spoke almost sharply. “I have decided to go to that school after all. I will leave tomorrow.” The father’s head jerked up with surprise and the blank look in his eyes was pathetic. It re¬ vealed that he could not comprehend his son’s statement. Eventually that look changed to pain and then to reproach. His shoulders sagged as he thought of their many useless arguments. It was almost hopeless. However, there was in- Ambition tensity in his voice as he said, “You can never be a succes in that way. It will ruin you, Edu¬ cation will not bring you money.” “Father, money is not the success I want,” the boy began desperately and then his voice fell as he realized the futility of making his father see. He clenched his fists tightly and began again. “I am useless this way. I will never be content to sew shoes as you can be day after day. I see these people trudge to work every day, ignorant of any joy or happiness which exists.” The father’s one argument came again. “There is no such happiness. Education does not bring us the support we need; nor does our work. Then do not waste your time and your hard earned money at that great stone building.” “I want only to find that satisfaction in life which comes with being useful. I will try to do that by teaching these people here.” He swept his arm towards the open door and pointed out to the street. As the father shook his head hopelessly, Wesley turned abruptly and walked out towards their apartment. Both rooms were scantily furnished and a rather gloomy atmosphere pervaded the place. In Wesley’s room was only a bed, a bare wooden table and a stool in one corner. Upon the bed lay a few books and his gaze immediately fell on these. Mechanically, he lit a candle and then sat down on the bed and fingered one book absentmindedly. His father had always had much faith in him. It had been his hope that Wesley would somed , succeed him in the shoeshop. For his sake only had his father continued in his occupat 5 ' such a long time. Now it was rather of Wesley to disregard all of his fa , ui. sacrifices. But then he again though iis an bitions. When he was a boy V- ood for hours and gazed at that mas structure in the distance. There he had imagined were the pro- continued on nt page) 29